PM Barak- Israel will not give in to violence and cannot countenance situation in which PA violates agreements-07-Dec-2000

PM Barak: Israel will not give in to violence and cannot countenance situation in which PA violates agreements

(Communicated by the Defense Minister’s Media Adviser)

Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ehud Barak met today (Thursday), 7.12.2000, with Hungarian Defense Minister Dr. Janos Szabo. Prime Minister Barak briefed Minister Szabo on Israel’s position vis-a-vis the confrontation with the Palestinians and said that Israel is determined not to give in to violence and not to receive diktat by means of violence and terrorism. The Prime Minister added that Israel cannot countenance a situation in which the agreements with the Palestinians are violated by the Palestinian Authority, including the release of Hamas and Islamic Jihad prisoners. Prime Minister Barak also briefed Minister Szabo on the situation on the northern border and noted that Hizballah – with winks and nods from Syria and Lebanon – is continuing to act against Israel despite the fact that Israel has completely fulfilled UN Security Council resolution #425. "Israel will act assertively to defend its citizens and soldiers and will not tolerate strikes at its sovereignty," the Prime Minister said. The two men also discussed bilateral defense relations. Prime Minister Barak suggested that Hungary make use of the experience and capability of Israel’s defense industries in upgrading and improving Soviet weapons systems.